I remember a time when I was growing up in southern Ohio, I used to look at the hills and say to myself, “Someday, I’m going to find out what’s behind those hills.”

Now, after literally thousands of miles later, I have returned.

My travels have taken me to most of the continental United States, Mexico, Ireland and Scotland and until I’ve seen everything, I’m not finished yet.

But, I will always call southern Ohio my home. I plan to stay here the rest of my life. There is something very comforting about the hills. I remember my first move to Virginia, and I remember the aching feeling I had when I thought about the hills.

Since then, I have lived in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma and spent time in Alabama and Texas. But, I spent most of the past 30 years in Georgia and Florida.

When I came back here five years ago, my mother was ill and I needed to take care of her. Since then, I’ve met a lot of people who have moved back to southern Ohio to take care of their elderly parents. They also stayed.

There is just something about this place, these hills and the people that is like a magnet. Once you get here, you don’t want to leave.

I’ve also had three wonderful children along the way, seven grandchildren and the latest addition to the family — a new great-granddaughter. Little Alaina was premature, only 4 pounds and 3 ounces.

She spent the first three weeks in the hospital, but she is growing and came home last weekend. What a blessing!

About 21 years ago, I made a life decision to get into the newspaper business. It is one thing that I have never regretted. Well, actually, I don’t regret much.

I think that every experience is a lesson to be learned, and I certainly have had a lot to learn.

So, now working at The Ironton Tribune, meeting new people and learning about new places, in a way, it’s like a holiday for me.

What a joy it is, doing what I love to do with great surroundings and good people. Another journey to add to my list.

Phyllis Noah is a reporter for The Ironton Tribune